Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach (sadly :( )

A.N. Hello everyone! It's chapter 10 time! hehe. I am truly grateful for everyone's support! I am soooo happy and thankful for all the reviews, alerts, follows... as I 've said before, I will never get tired if saying thank you! :)

Special thanks: to my friend korne-pokemon-luv for proofreading this chapter!

Word Count: 4,003. Enjoy!

Warning: Fluffiness ahead, (at least in my point of view) :D

Chapter 11

Unpredictable

Her hands and nimble fingers were starting to ache from moving as slowly and accurately as possible, she carefully stroked her intricate bun using a comb, making sure that the strand she saw would now be in its proper place. The fact that she was already sitting straight, moving as minimally as she could so that she would not cause any unwanted wrinkles on her kimono, caused the poor girl's back to ache more and more each passing minute.

"There…" she gave a triumphant smile as she surveyed her hair in front of the mirror, she then lifted her comb and slowly placed it carefully back on the drawer, as though any harsh movement would cause for her bun to turn into a flawed mass of tresses once again.

While fixing her kimono for what seemed like the hundredth time that afternoon, an unexpected image appeared on the mirror in front of her, and she could not help but let out a shriek of surprise. There, reflecting on her mirror was Aya, looking at Momo's reflection with a knowing smirk on her face, her long, wavy brown hair perfectly framing her pretty face. In that instant, all the happiness surrounding the elegantly dressed maiko disappeared out of thin air. What was she doing here? Was she really that pre-occupied that she didn't hear her enter their room? Was she so elated at the thought of meeting Hitsugaya Toushiro that she actually forgot to close their door?

She could not help but blush at the latter thought.

"Getting all pretty, huh?" still with a mischievous smile on her lips, she leaned on the nearby wall and continued to stare at Momo's reflection, believing that her intimidating aura would make Momo look like an abused puppy- a sight that would have made Aya feel superior and mighty.

"I should, we are geisha trainees after all" Momo tried her best to ignore her, pretending that she was wholly unaffected, she continued smoothing out the non-existent wrinkles on her kimono, the ends of her fingers feeling a bit ticklish as the embossed embroidery touched the ends of her digits. She would do her best not to get affected by her taunting attitude. A part of her was worried about the reason why she decided to provoke her of all people, surely she also had her hands full of guests that were hungrily clamoring for her attention, so why go and waste her time on someone like her?

"You…" in one swift step, she was already on her back, her hands resting on her shoulders.

"…you are one lucky bitch…" she whispered the last word near her ear, her tone so sweet and so soft that it caught Momo off guard. She then started fixing Momo's sleeve, if wrinkles were actually present or if she used it as an excuse so that she could touch her, the raven haired girl has no idea.

"Why are you here?" she cringed every time Aya's fingers touched her nape, did she dip her hands in a bucket of ice before coming here? She wanted to remove her hands, or maybe just get away from her grip, but doing so would be outright rude. She heaved a sigh and decided to just endure the upcoming minutes with the woman beside her.

"Oh nothing, just wanted to see things first hand"

Momo raised her brows, now that got her attention, "What do you mean?"

"You think you are more superior because you're the newest arm candy of a rich noble?" she sneered at her through the mirror, giving her a knowing look to which Momo immediately gave a reply to defend herself, what gave her the idea that she was wallowing in such mentality? Aya's way of thinking could be confusing and complicated at times.

"Such thought never occurred to me" she gave Aya a small smile, but the great spirits know that deep down, it was only a tactic to conceal the hurt her words inflicted on her soul. But like always, she would endure, she would swallow every bitter accusation that she would receive. Momo was never the one to start an unnecessary confrontation.

"Really? Don't play innocent Hinamori, I know what happens behind those beautiful shoji doors… "

"Please stop it, nothing good will come out of this conversation" she faced her tormentor, pleading for her to stop, grasping both of her hands in the process. How did this happen? What did she do to deserve her words? She knew that she was happier compared to the past few days, but was that so wrong that she got this in return?

Aya slapped her hands away, leaving a stinging sensation on Momo's skin. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that you better watch your back…" she wiped her hands at the sleeves of her kimono, as if Momo's hands have some deadly virus that could cause some contagious disease.

"…one of these days Hitsugaya Toushiro will be mine, it's just a matter of days before he realizes that he picked the wrong maiko" for some reason, the thought did not sit well with Momo, and a sudden wave of unidentified and undesirable emotion started clawing her insides, whether if it was from her words or from her recent threat, Momo had yet to know.

"I would love to see the look on your face when you see him all over me, tasting every inch of my skin…" she let out a series of giggles, obviously enthralled at the thought that the man she had her eyes on since the day she saw him would touch her everywhere she would desire. Aya made her way towards the door, her hips swaying with each step, "You better salvage all the left over beauty products of our seniors, you will definitely need it Hinamori, with that kind of face?" she scoffed, "I am surprised Naga-san let you in" she gave one last measuring glare before walking away.

She breathed in then breathed out, her eyes starting to sting from the upcoming wave of tears. She shook her head and quickly blinked back her tears. No, she wouldn't let Aya ruin the rest of her day, any emotion that lingered in her heart and soul at that moment would greatly affect her every movement with the guest, and it was something that she wouldn't permit.

Taking a few more cleansing breaths, she shoved her small encounter with her fellow maiko aside. She again faced herself in front of the mirror, and faked a smile, memorizing the feel on every muscle of her face, etching it into the depths of her memory. Momo was not really a fan of fake smiles and made up happiness, but just for this meeting she would again endure… a trait that she was starting to master lately.

'For Hitsugaya-sama…'

Geishas and geisha trainees hold on to the belief that the patrons who came to the Hanamachi to seek for their company where the kind of people who were lonely and needed some time away from their busy and hectic working schedule, so in return, they give all of their effort, all of their energy and all their attention to keep them entertained and that's what she would do.

Ignoring the words ringing in her ears, she walked towards the private room that served as their meeting place every time the young noble would visit took a turn and was now a few steps away from the elaborate painting of the all too familiar shoji door. A genuine smile graced her lips at the thought of seeing Hitsugaya Toushiro. Strange as it might have been, she was now looking forward to their meetings. She could not believe that she actually hovered in fear whenever he was around during the past few days. Momo never thought that in a span of a few meetings, their relationship would improve this much.

As she slowly opened the door, the refreshing smell of flowers brought by the breeze was immediately replaced with something familiar, something pleasant, and something that made Momo's mouth water.

Was that really what she thinks it is? But how? Her senses must be playing tricks on her because her heart was loaded with gloom by Aya's words.

She took another deep breath and closed her eyes to fully concentrate.

The delicious smell of grilled meat in newly steamed buns engulfed the air of the room; there was no mistaking it, there were Nikuman in this expensive, private room! Warm, tasty buns filled with deliciousness, the smell was getting stronger, and she turned left and right before finally locating the source of the hypnotizing aroma.

"Good afternoon" she jumped in surprise when she heard his deep voice.

She turned to the far right and saw the tall, handsome figure that was Hitsugaya Toushiro. A smirk was gracing his features and she could not help but blush. Since he was standing beside the window, the orange glow of the setting sun served to be his spotlight, highlighting the prominence of his jaw and his white spiky hair that Momo was secretly starting to love.

Giving a perfect ninety degree bow she returned his greeting, "Good afternoon Hitsugaya-sama"

"How was your day Hinamori-san? I hope…" though she could hear him loud and clear, his voice seemed to drown in a sea of tempting Nikuman aroma and who could blame her? It may not have been her favorite food, but she loved eating the appetizing snack.

"… while passing the streets…"

She slowly darted her eyes towards the middle of the room where the white buns were perfectly arranged into a pyramid like pattern, a steamer served as the buns' base, blowing off soft smokes that keeps the delicacy warm and moist. Oh, how she wished that he would offer her some later, even just a small, tiny bite.

"…reminded me of your silly invitation…"

A box wrapped in beautiful green cloth was sitting beside her hailed Nikuman, what it was, Momo was clueless, but she was guessing that it was some kind of food as well since it was sitting so close to the steamer.

"Hinamori-san?"

Momo let out a gasp of surprise when a hand was waving so closely at her in order to catch her attention. How did he get so close? When did he walk towards her? She sighed inwardly; the smell of the buns was making her attention span shorter, messing with her ability to concentrate. For some weird reason the balls of her eyes again darted towards the evil white bread.

"What are you…" before Momo could divert her gaze away from the food, Toushiro turned to her line of vision and a smile graced his lips when he realized what held her gaze.

She blushed a bright shade of red and bowed her head in embarrassment. "S-sorry Hitsugaya-sama, I was just looking…"

Toushiro inched his ear closer as if to hear her clearly, to which Momo closed her eyes, could this moment get any worse? This was humiliation at its finest.

"Looking where?" he asked still with a smile, his natural sadistic and playful side taking its toll.

"Um, looking at the…buns" she whispered the last word so softly he had to crane his neck to hear her.

"The what?" Momo could not help but pout in frustration, he heard her, she was sure of it! He just wanted to rub the fact that she was secretly salivating over his food.

"The buns" her voice raised a bit louder. Toushiro then laughed heartily, the sound echoing throughout the room. Though still blushing madly from embarrassment, Momo decided to look at the bright side, she may have made a fool out of herself but at least she was able to make him laugh.

He grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards the center of the room where the food was located. He pushed her shoulders, urging her to sit on the nearby tatami mat. And when both of them were already sitting side by side with the food neatly placed before them, he pushed the wooden steamer near Momo.

"Eat"

She must have casted some special spell on him, some evil spell that would have made your eyes glued on her and her alone. Or maybe she chanted a powerful mantra before entering the room, that's why he could not help but get fascinated at each move that she would make.

The woman beside him was biting her bun happily, and he could tell very well that she was elated because why would she have a huge smile on her face every time she would chew and swallow? Sometimes, she would close her eyes, as though at the moment, she was floating in a cloud of happiness. A part of him felt this strong sense of manly pride since he was able to make her this…happy and the other part of him was again troubled, repeatedly asking him the question 'Why are you doing this?' and the most unsettling part was that he also didn't know why.

While on his way to the Hanamachi, he saw a vendor busily adjusting the arrangements of the meat buns on his huge, circular steamer made of bamboo. Frankly, he would never purchase food sold on the streets, he has so many things to do that he would not permit himself to get sick out of careless escapades. But then, seeing the buns reminded him of her, Hinamori Momo, the woman responsible for all the internal questioning that he has done to himself lately, and since remembering her made all his doubts once again stir within him like a persistent headache on a sleepless night, he brought all the buns, just to keep the voice within him quiet.

"Oh" her face suddenly lit up, remembering something important "Thank you so much Hitsugaya-sama…for the buns" she shyly smiled at him and then took a bite to hide her already obvious embarrassment.

He wanted to return her smile but decided to control himself, not that he was monitoring it, but the quota for smiles he had for the year was already consumed the moment he noticed her looking at the food he brought. Instead, he responded with a small nod and with a monotone he replied, "You are welcome"

For a few seconds they were quiet, Momo happily eating and Toushiro casually sipping his tea and glancing at his companion. She took the last bite and swallowed, grinning like a child. "These are so good Hitsugaya-sama, did your private cook made this?"

He creased his brows, finding her question peculiar. Wasn't this her favorite food? Why was it that she was not familiar with the taste? "No, I bought this outside, one of those stalls that you were bugging me to see"

She giggled, "Really? Maybe that's the reason why you are not eating any". That's it, he could not help it anymore, he needed to laugh, this strange sensation coming from his stomach to his throat then to his mouth needed to come out.

He then gave in and chuckled "Yes"

She reached out for another bun "If you don't mind me asking, why did you buy Nikuman sold at the streets? I mean, if you didn't plan to eat any in the first place?"

No, he would never answer her question. How would he answer if he also didn't know why? His brilliant mind immediately concocted a way to dodge the question in just a span of a second, "If you like eating this so much why didn't you recognize the taste?"

Momo stop mid-bite, "Oh, lately I wasn't able to buy Nikuman even if I wanted to. I need to control myself"

"Why is that?" he needed to know. What was keeping this woman from having the things she needed and wanted?

He watched as she started peeling the thin paper under the bun, good thing that she did not take a bite. "I am saving every cent I have, because my grandmother's birthday is coming, and I want to buy her something special!"

"Ah" he was lost for words at her answer. Just how was this person raised? Why would she put someone else's welfare before hers?

'Would you like reservations for our courtesans?'

Her query during that unforgettable night echoed in his head. She was really like this was she not? Putting other's needs first, instead of thinking how to make her life more comfortable and easier. That night for instance, after all the degrading words, and after all the crushing acts that he had done to her, she still had the will to make sure that he would be happy in her service despite of the discomfort his actions were obviously giving her. And now, here she was, happily sharing to him that she had not eaten the food she loved because she was saving the money for someone.

Toushiro's green eyes continuously observed her every move. Sipping her tea, and letting out a soft sigh, chewing and swallowing with a trace of smile… if she would be like this every time he would do her a favor, then he would make sure to give her everything that he could during their small encounters each day.

'Because I had enough of frowning old people during meetings…that's the only reason'

His eyes darted towards her lips; a small piece of bun was hanging at the corner of her mouth.

"You have a piece of bun here" he pointed the corner of his own lips, telling her where the piece was located; she colored a cute shade of pink in response.

"Oh, thank you" she carefully dabbed her lip with her back hand but the stubborn piece of food wouldn't go away, it seemed that it got stuck on her lower lip due to the melted sugar that she used to keep the lips shiny.

"It's still there" he again pointed to his own lip, motioning the location to her.

She wiped her lips more rigorously that before, but the piece only moved a little.

"I'll get it" he inched forward, cupped her face so that she would be steady then licked her lower lip. His tongue quickly caressed her soft, sweet lip and whether he liked it or not, the feeling of it would be forever embedded in his memory. The urge to do it again was so strong, but with every ounce of will power he was able to hold back, and he was forever thankful for it.

He felt her whole body get stiff at what he has done, his whole body turned frigid as well. Just what was that?

"Hitsugaya-sama?" her eyes were wide and questioning. And he wished that she would not ask why he did such a reckless, stupid act because just like before, he didn't know the answer. Some weird desire to feel her lips emerged the moment he felt her skin, and then… he did that.

Not moving a muscle, desperation led him to say the words that first entered his head, "There, it's gone now" at least he was able to keep the tone of his voice normal.

"T-thank you"

His insides still buzzing in confusion, he started removing his hands from her face. The first step to pretend that nothing happened was to get a safe distance away from her.

"Wo-would you like to meet outside tomorrow? I…I would like to take you somewhere" he breathed out in relief; at least she did not walk away or gave him a slap for what he did.

"Yes that would be nice" a moment of dead silence followed after his reply, "I need to go" he stood up immediately almost tripping over his own feet.

"Thank you for the buns Hitsugaya-sama" she followed behind his scurrying steps, "You forgot your package!"

He did not dare to look back; he needed to get out of that room, at that place, fast. His sanity was on the verge of melting just by seeing that woman, and that would explain his illogical behavior. He needed a couple of hours away from her, enough time to process everything. Because lately it seemed that whenever she was involved, he had the tendency to act like a brainless idiot.

"That is for you, it's a premium grade rice cake"

She did not respond, obviously surprised that she got another gift from him.

"Thank you, thank you so much" they reached the exit of the Hanamachi and a single step was all that it would take to be on the rough streets. The now breathless young man wore his geta and then continued towards his waiting rickshaw.

"I'll see you tomorrow" he said louder than his usual tone, since the sound of the wheels against the rough road kept his voice from being clearly heard.

His father was smiling so brightly, as if talking to a long lost friend that he finally met after a long time. But he knew better than to smile within the presence of a person like him.

"Oh Toushiro, you're back early!" Takeshi excused himself and invited Toushiro to dine with them. Normally, he would have accepted the invitation without hesitation but not today, he had too much going on that he doesn't need another person to jeopardize his otherwise quiet world.

"I am tired otou-san" he whispered, hoping that his father would let him off the hook this time. Because if worst came to worst and this moronic guy on their table would pull something he would not like, he doesn't know what he would do, maybe slit his throat or beat him into a pulp until that stupid smile on his face would get lost.

"Oh don't worry, this would only take a few minutes. He just wanted to propose a business venture, that's all" he gaped at his father in shock, disappointment and anger bubbling inside him, did he not know who the brown haired man was? The warning signals of his head went into full alarm, who knew what his father would agree to at the end of this night? He might do something unconsciously dangerous, and there was no other way to prevent it but by accompanying him.

"Lead the way"

When both of them were already in their respective seats, he gave a small nod towards the man before them, a clear indication that he was definitely not glad to see him. Toushiro would not wear a mask of warmth; Aizen Sousuke was definitely not worth it.

"Good evening Hitsugaya Toushiro-sama-"

"What do you want?" he asked in a biting tone. He felt his father's eyes towards him but he didn't mind. He would explain everything later.

"I came to propose a business venture" his calm, cold voice filled the silent room.

"What is it?"

"I propose that we open an incense market here in your small town" he answered direct to the point.

Toushiro creased his brows; this man definitely has some admirable backbone "Denied"

"Perhaps if you would take some time to review my proposal you might change your decision" Aizen placed a scroll on the table, handing it towards Toushiro.

He took it and did not even bother to open and read it, "I will review this tonight, now you may take your leave" he felt his father nudge at his sides but again, he did not care. He would burn this scroll with the candle in his room before going to sleep.

"Have a pleasant night and thank you for your hospitality" Aizen and Toushiro's eyes met for the briefest moment, and Toushiro wanted to grab the katana used as a display on the dining hall to slice him into two. He would make sure that the next time he would set foot in their manor, he would think twice. A person like him did not deserve to be welcomed.

"Leave" his teal eyes watched his every movement, until he finally reached the door leading to the exit.

"Toushiro-"

"I will explain it to you otou-san" he gripped the scroll on his hand. "You will understand"

to be continued...

Nikuman- meat buns. White buns with grilled meat (pork most often) inside. Steamed to be moist and warm.

thefrozencherryblossom- Oh I will! hehe, I am updating as soon as I can, though I also wish that I could update at least twice a month, but lately the schedule would not permit it :( but I will still give my best! I hope you enjoyed chapter 11 :*

JadetheNinja- Thank you so much! In my eyes, these two will be forever kawaii! :') How was chapter 11?

KashinaKairi- Oh... I did some research a few months back and I have read that it will be back on air by April...is that a lie? Oh my goodness! The person who posted that should be punished! I had my hopes so so so high! T_T So what is the truth about Bleach being back on air? Aww..but thank you for the info! :) Oh, thank you so much for your feedback! Did you enjoy chapter 11?

Hylla- haha! Yes, I will also be alert on whatever Aizen might be up to! Let us not let our guard down! :D Thank you for reading! How was chapter 11?

ShadowWolf62400- Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed Chapter 11 as well :)

AznVKai- Oh yeah.. let us just keep our fingers for some sort of spin off.. :D Awww... thank you! I am so happy you are enjoying! I hope you like Chapter 11!

marionette16- Thank you for your words of encouragement! hehe, I won't spoil... but please don't hate me, I promise I will make the story as beautiful as it could be with my abilities! Thank you so much :*

Saxophone- dear saxophone!Awww.. you are as sweet as always, I am happy you are enjoying. Hehe, just think of HitsuHina might have beens..because there are very few HH moments in the actual series :( I hope you enjoyed chapter 11 :)

Mechrogaige- hahaha, thank you! I could feel your hate for Aizen! I feel the same too, :D but let us just raise the HitsuHina flag with perseverance! I am glad you are enjoying the story :)

Raini-chan- Mildly traumatzing? hahaha, I kinda agree with you, since in order to write it I had to really, really imagine things...so that I could at least write it with the best of my abilities. :D I guess, it's the only way. Oh and thank you for the idea! I would keep that in mind :* I hope you are still enjoying!

Vegetable lov3r- hahaha! all excuses on his part right? XD Oh, I am not mean with you, in fact you became dear to me, just like with the other people here :) I am really thankful for you reading my story and leaving comments. I promise to make the story as beautiful as I can. So for the mean time, I won't spoil anything so it will retain it's suspense effect (hehehe, ) I hoe you enjoyed chapter 11

TimeforStories- Oh, thank you! I am sorry about your connection and I am glad it's back! This calls for a celebration! Thank you for being excited about reading my story, I am so touched! (like really touched!) :* How was chapter 11? :)

yuki- Yuki! here is the update! hahaha, I hope you are enjoying still! Lots of love! :)

see you guys on chapter 12! :)